Best Hotels in New York at Christmas 2026

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Best Hotels in New York at Christmas At a Glance

The Plaza Hotel – Best Overall Hotel in New York at Christmas

If you want the full New York at Christmas experience and budget isn’t your biggest consideration, The Plaza Hotel would be my top choice. It’s one of New York’s most iconic hotels and if you grew up watching Home Alone 2, staying here at Christmas is probably already somewhere on your bucket list.

The location is also hard to beat. You’re directly opposite Central Park and right on Fifth Avenue, with Rockefeller Center, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Radio City Music Hall and the Fifth Avenue Christmas displays all within walking distance.

The rooms are also much more spacious than a lot of hotels you’ll find across Manhattan, with several room and suite categories available. If you’re travelling as a group, I’d compare the larger room options against the cost of booking multiple rooms elsewhere.

It is going to be one of the most expensive hotels on this list, especially over the Christmas period, but this is the hotel I’d choose for a milestone birthday, special girls trip or a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas in New York.

📍 Location: 768 Fifth Avenue, Midtown Manhattan
🎄 Best for: The full New York at Christmas experience
🚶 Nearby: Central Park, Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall
💰 Christmas budget: rooms start from £1,900 during the Christmas week period
👯‍♀️ Girls trip verdict: The one I’d choose if budget wasn’t an issue

Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea – Best Hotel for a Girls Trip in New York at Christmas

If you’re planning a girls trip to New York at Christmas and don’t necessarily want to stay directly in Times Square, Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea is one I’d seriously consider. Chelsea is one of my favourite areas to use as a base in New York because you’re still incredibly central but you’re slightly removed from the busiest parts of Midtown.

Motto sits between Chelsea and Flatiron on West 24th Street. Madison Square Park is only around two blocks away and the hotel is around a mile from The High Line, Chelsea Market and Greenwich Village. That gives you a completely different experience from staying around Times Square.

I’d also seriously consider booking a Landmark City View room as the view across Lower Manhattan is something I think is worth paying extra for. You get that classic New York skyline from your room and if you’re visiting for a special trip, waking up to that view makes the hotel feel like part of the experience rather than just somewhere you’re staying.

I’d put Motto into the mid-range category for New York rather than calling it cheap. Rates are going to depend heavily on your dates and the room configuration you’re choosing. If you’re travelling as four people though, I’d compare the total cost of one of the four-bed configurations against booking two separate hotel rooms elsewhere.

📍 Location: 113 West 24th Street, Chelsea
🎄 Best for: Girls trips and groups
🚶 Nearby: Flatiron, Madison Square Park, Empire State Building, Chelsea and NoMad
💰 Christmas budget: Rooms start from around £259 per night during Christmas week
👯‍♀️ Girls trip verdict: One of my top choices because of the room configurations, location and Landmark City View rooms

DoubleTree by Hilton New York Midtown Fifth Ave – Best Hotel Near Rockefeller Center in New York at Christmas\

If seeing the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is at the top of your New York Christmas list, DoubleTree by Hilton New York Midtown Fifth Ave has one of the best locations in this guide. Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock are incredibly close, so you can easily visit first thing in the morning and come back again once everything is lit up at night.

You’re also within walking distance of Fifth Avenue, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Radio City Music Hall, Times Square and Central Park. If you’re only visiting New York for a few days, staying somewhere this central can save you a lot of time travelling between the main Christmas attractions.

I’d choose this hotel more for its location than for a big luxury hotel experience. You also have Duomo 51 on the seventh floor, which is worth knowing about if you want somewhere for dinner or drinks close to your room.

I’d compare the price against other Midtown hotels for your exact dates. If it’s only slightly more expensive than staying further away, I’d personally consider paying the difference to be this close to Rockefeller Center.

📍 Location: 25 West 51st Street, Midtown Manhattan
🎄 Best for: Rockefeller Center and Christmas sightseeing
🚶 Nearby: Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, Radio City, Times Square and Central Park
💰 Christmas budget: Rooms start from around £257 per night during Christmas week
👯‍♀️ Girls trip verdict: One I’d choose if location is your biggest priority

Lotte New York Palace – Best Luxury Hotel in New York at Christmas

If you want a luxury hotel for Christmas in New York but don’t necessarily want to stay at The Plaza, Lotte New York Palace would be one of my next choices. The hotel itself is beautiful and it goes all out with its Christmas decorations, including a huge tree in the courtyard covered in red and gold ribbons, glowing lights and a large star at the top.

There’s also an outdoor winter bar in the courtyard serving hot chocolate, festive cocktails, cookies and sweet treats throughout the Christmas season. The location is another big reason I’d consider staying here, especially at Christmas. You’re right by St Patrick’s Cathedral and only a short walk from the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the Fifth Avenue Christmas displays, so you’ll have some of the best festive spots in New York right on your doorstep.

I’d particularly look at this hotel for a special occasion or luxury girls trip where the hotel is going to be part of the experience. There are rooms in both The Palace and The Towers, with The Towers being the more luxurious option if you want to spend more.

This is another expensive choice during Christmas, but you’re paying for both the hotel and a location that makes exploring Midtown incredibly easy.

📍 Location: 455 Madison Avenue, Midtown Manhattan
🎄 Best for: A luxury Christmas trip
🚶 Nearby: Rockefeller Center, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Fifth Avenue and Grand Central
💰 Christmas budget: Rooms start from around £782 per night during Christmas week
👯‍♀️ Girls trip verdict: One for a luxury or special occasion girls trip

Sheraton Tribeca New York Hotel – Best Affordable Hotel in New York at Christmas

If you’re looking for one of the best hotels in New York at Christmas without spending £300+ a night, Sheraton Tribeca New York Hotel is one I’d seriously consider. I’ve found rooms coming in at under £200 per night during the Christmas period, which I think is really good value for a Manhattan hotel at one of the most expensive times of year to visit.

The location is a big selling point for me. You’re on Canal Street with SoHo, Chinatown and Tribeca practically on your doorstep, plus Little Italy is within walking distance. The hotel is also within three blocks of more than a dozen subway lines, so you can still get up to Midtown and the main Christmas attractions without staying in the middle of the Christmas crowds.

Even though I’m putting this down as my more budget-friendly option, I actually think you’re getting way more than a budget hotel. You’ve got a Sheraton property, a really good Lower Manhattan location and access to the Tribeca Terrace with views across the New York skyline. If you’d rather spend more of your Christmas budget on food, attractions and shopping, this is one I’d look at.

📍 Location: 370 Canal Street, Tribeca
🎄 Best for: Getting more for your budget
🚶 Nearby: SoHo, Chinatown, Tribeca, Little Italy and Lower Manhattan
💰 Christmas budget: Rooms available from under £188 per night during the Christmas period
👯‍♀️ Girls trip verdict: My pick if you want to keep your hotel under £200 a night without it feeling like you’ve chosen a basic budget option

Hyatt Place New York/Chelsea – Best Hotel With a View in New York at Christmas

If having an amazing New York view is high on your hotel wishlist, Hyatt Place Chelsea is one I can recommend from my own experience. I stayed here in a room overlooking the Empire State Building and for me, paying extra for the view was worth every penny.

There’s something very special about waking up with the Empire State Building outside your window and then coming back at night and seeing it lit up. If you’re visiting New York for a birthday, Christmas or your first girls trip to the city, I’d seriously consider paying more for one of the higher-floor view rooms.

In terms of location, you’re in Chelsea with Flatiron, Madison Square Park and the Empire State Building nearby. You can walk towards Bryant Park and Midtown or head in the opposite direction towards Chelsea Market, the High Line and Greenwich Village.

I already really like Chelsea as a base for New York because you’re central without staying directly in Times Square. The hotel with the Empire State Building view alone, easily makes it one of my personal favourites on this list.

📍 Location: 140 West 24th Street, Chelsea
🎄 Best for: An iconic New York skyline view
🚶 Nearby: Empire State Building, Flatiron, Madison Square Park and Chelsea
💰 Christmas budget: Rooms start from around £273 per night during Christmas week
👯‍♀️ Girls trip verdict: I’ve stayed here myself and I’d pay extra for the Empire State Building view again

Moxy Times Square – Best Hotel for First-Time Visitors in New York at Christmas

If it’s your first trip to New York and you want to be right in the middle of everything, Moxy Times Square is one I’d consider. You’re close to Times Square but also within walking distance of the Empire State Building, Bryant Park and a lot of the Midtown attractions you’ll probably already have on your itinerary.

Another reason I’d consider staying here is the rooftop. Magic Hour Rooftop Bar sits at the top of the hotel and has views of the Empire State Building, so you have somewhere for cocktails and food without even having to leave your hotel. It’s especially nice in the evening when you can see the Empire State Building lit up against the Manhattan skyline.

Moxy hotels are known for having smaller rooms, so I’d keep that in mind if you’re travelling as a group. There are different room configurations available though, which can make it worth looking at for a girls trip.

The biggest downside for me would be the crowds. Times Square and the surrounding streets get incredibly busy at Christmas, so I’d choose this if being central matters more to you than staying somewhere quieter.

📍 Location: 485 7th Avenue, Midtown Manhattan
🎄 Best for: First-time visitors
🚶 Nearby: Times Square, Bryant Park, Empire State Building and Broadway
💰 Christmas budget: Rooms start from around £348 per night during Christmas week
👯‍♀️ Girls trip verdict: Great if it’s your first trip and you want everything close by

The Peninsula New York – Best Hotel for Christmas Decorations in New York at Christmas

If you want your hotel to feel Christmassy from the moment you walk through the door, The Peninsula New York is the one I’d look at. The hotel goes big on its festive decorations during the holiday season, so your Christmas experience doesn’t stop when you get back from sightseeing.

The Fifth Avenue location also puts you exactly where you want to be during December. You’re close to Rockefeller Center, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Central Park, Radio City Music Hall and the Christmas displays along Fifth Avenue.

This is definitely another luxury option, but I think it makes the most sense for someone who wants the hotel itself to be part of their Christmas trip. If you’re spending this much on accommodation, I’d want somewhere that feels special rather than simply somewhere to sleep.

I’d particularly consider The Peninsula for a luxury girls trip or special occasion where you want the classic Fifth Avenue New York experience and all the Christmas decorations to go with it.

📍 Location: 700 Fifth Avenue, Midtown Manhattan
🎄 Best for: Christmas decorations
🚶 Nearby: Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Central Park and Radio City Music Hall
💰 Christmas budget: Rooms start from around £1,152 per night during Christmas week
👯‍♀️ Girls trip verdict: One for a luxury Christmas girls trip where the hotel is part of the experience

Hotel Hendricks – Best Hotel Near Bryant Park in New York at Christmas

If Bryant Park Winter Village is one of the places you’re most excited to visit at Christmas, Hotel Hendricks is a great location to look at. You’re only a short walk from Bryant Park, which means you can easily visit the Christmas market and ice rink more than once during your trip.

You’re also close to the Empire State Building, New York Public Library, Grand Central and Fifth Avenue. Rockefeller Center and Times Square are further north but still easy to reach, so you’re very central without actually staying in Times Square.

I’d particularly consider Hotel Hendricks if you want a hotel that feels a little less like one of the huge Midtown chains. The location still gives you easy access to the Christmas attractions but you’re based around Bryant Park rather than the busiest parts of Times Square.

For a girls trip, having Bryant Park, Midtown and plenty of restaurants within walking distance makes this a strong option.

📍 Location: 25 West 38th Street, Midtown Manhattan
🎄 Best for: Bryant Park Winter Village
🚶 Nearby: Bryant Park, Empire State Building, Fifth Avenue and Grand Central
💰 Christmas budget: Rooms start from around £323 per night during Christmas week
👯‍♀️ Girls trip verdict: A good middle ground between location and avoiding Times Square

My Tips for Booking a New York Hotel at Christmas

Choosing between the best hotels in New York at Christmas isn’t just about finding the nicest hotel. Location, room size and all the additional costs can make a huge difference, especially when you’re travelling as a group. These are the things I’d look at before booking.

Don’t Choose a Hotel Purely Because It’s in Times Square

If it’s your first trip to New York, it’s easy to assume Times Square is automatically the best place to stay. It’s central and convenient but it’s also incredibly busy, especially at Christmas.

I’d look at Chelsea, NoMad and the areas around Bryant Park too. I’ve stayed in Chelsea myself and really like it because you’re still close to Midtown but you’re not walking out of your hotel directly into the Times Square crowds every morning.

Check the Room Size Before Booking for 3-4 People

This is a big one for girls trips. A room might technically sleep four people but that doesn’t necessarily mean four people plus four suitcases are going to fit comfortably.

Check the actual room size and bed configuration rather than only looking at the maximum occupancy. This is one of the reasons I’d look at Motto by Hilton Chelsea for groups because you have different room configurations to choose from.

Look at the Nearest Subway Station

Don’t just look at how far your hotel is from Times Square. Check where the nearest subway station is and which lines you can access from it.

You might find a hotel that’s slightly further away from Midtown but gives you much easier transport around Manhattan. That’s going to matter when it’s freezing outside and you’ve already spent the entire day walking.

Work Out How Far It Is From Your Christmas Itinerary

Before booking your hotel, I’d roughly plan the places you know you want to visit. If most of your plans involve Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Fifth Avenue and Central Park, staying in Midtown could make sense.

If you also want to spend time around Chelsea, Greenwich Village, SoHo and Downtown, you don’t necessarily need to stay right next to Times Square. I’d rather choose a hotel that works for my entire itinerary.

Skip the Hotel Breakfast

I’d actually avoid booking a hotel with breakfast included in New York. There are so many amazing breakfast, bagel and brunch spots across the city that I’d rather use the opportunity to try somewhere different each morning.

Part of a New York trip for me is trying the food I’ve had saved before going, whether that’s grabbing a New York bagel, finding a good brunch spot or picking up coffee and breakfast while you’re exploring. Unless breakfast is already included in your room rate, I’d save the money and put it towards trying some of the places around the city instead.

Check Resort and Destination Fees

The price you initially see isn’t always the amount you’ll end up paying for your hotel. Some New York hotels charge additional destination or facility fees, so check exactly what’s included before booking.

I’d always look at the final price for the entire stay rather than comparing hotels based purely on the headline nightly rate.

Book a Refundable Rate if You’re Planning Early

Christmas is one of the busiest times to visit New York, so I’d start looking at hotels early. If you’re booking months in advance, I’d personally look for a refundable option where possible.

That gives you the security of having somewhere booked while still allowing you to change your plans if you find a better hotel or rate later.

Don’t Automatically Rule Out Chelsea or NoMad

If Midtown prices are looking ridiculous for your dates, expand your search slightly. Chelsea and NoMad would be two of the first areas I’d look at. You’re still incredibly central and can easily get to the main Christmas attractions, while also being closer to places like the High Line, Chelsea Market, Flatiron and Greenwich Village.

FAQs About the Best Hotels in New York at Christmas

What are the best hotels in New York at Christmas?

Some of the best hotels in New York at Christmas include The Plaza, Lotte New York Palace, The Peninsula New York and DoubleTree by Hilton New York Midtown Fifth Ave if you want to be close to the main Christmas attractions. For a girls trip, I’d also look at Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea, while Hyatt Place Chelsea is one I’d recommend if having an amazing city view is important to you.

What is the best hotel in New York for Christmas?

If budget wasn’t an issue, I’d choose The Plaza for the full Christmas in New York experience. You’re opposite Central Park, right on Fifth Avenue and within walking distance of Rockefeller Center and some of the city’s biggest Christmas attractions.

What is the best area to stay in New York at Christmas?

For a first trip, I’d look at Midtown, Bryant Park, Chelsea and NoMad. Midtown puts you closest to many of the main Christmas attractions, while Chelsea and NoMad are good alternatives if you don’t want to stay directly around Times Square.

What hotels in New York decorate for Christmas?

The Peninsula New York, The Plaza and Lotte New York Palace are three hotels I’d look at if Christmas decorations are important to you. They’re also all close to some of the biggest festive attractions in Midtown.

What is the best hotel near the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree?

DoubleTree by Hilton New York Midtown Fifth Ave is my pick if being close to Rockefeller Center is your priority. Lotte New York Palace is another option if you have a bigger budget and want more of a luxury hotel experience.

Is it worth staying in Times Square at Christmas?

I think Times Square can be worth it for first-time visitors who want to be extremely central, but you need to be prepared for the crowds. If you want somewhere slightly less hectic, I’d look around Bryant Park, Chelsea or NoMad instead.

How much do hotels cost in New York at Christmas?

Hotel prices can be considerably higher around Christmas because December is such a popular time to visit New York. Your final price will depend on your dates, hotel category and room type, so I’d compare the total stay rather than only looking at the nightly rate. It’s also worth checking for taxes and any additional hotel fees before booking.

When should I book a New York hotel for Christmas?

I’d start looking as early as possible once you know your dates. Booking earlier gives you more choice when it comes to location and room type, which is particularly important if you need a room that can accommodate three or four people. I’d look for refundable rates if you’re booking well in advance.

How many nights do you need in New York at Christmas?

I’d recommend at least four nights if it’s your first Christmas trip to New York, although five to seven nights gives you much more time. There’s a lot to fit in between the main attractions, Christmas markets, decorations, shopping and restaurants, and everything tends to take longer when the city is busy.

I hope this post on best hotels in New York at Christmas was useful and helps with your planning, don’t forget to check out the rest of my NYC Christmas posts here.

Check out my other New York guides here:

• New York City Travel Guide for First Time Visitors
• 31 Best Things To Do in New York City
• 4 Days in New York City Itinerary
• 4 Days in New York Christmas Itinerary
• The BEST Hotels in New York City With a View
• How to Get From JFK Airport to Manhattan by Subway (Under $20)
• New York Monthly Guides